hey guys, i just bought an 05 4runner v8 and really like it, but after about a month the vents are stinking bad. it seems to be worse when the heater is on but does it some whether it is a/c, heat or just vent blowing? i have searched the web and found how to replace the cabin filter, any other suggestions what it might be? it is not the sulfer smell from the converter i have read about, more like dust and mold smell.
thanks

Thanks for mentioning your problem. I too have a 2005 4Runner with similar problem. It started nearly 3 years after I got it. Last year with that San Diego fire I thought it was that acrid smell. Seemingly it occurs randomly, with heater or A/C. I've replaced the intake filter but with no avail. Did you find out anything new?

Chances are your in cabin micro-filters are filthy, instead of clean and fresh.

http://tour.airstreamlife.com/weblog/Tampa%20microfilter.jpg

They should typically be changed every 6 months/10k miles, or at least inspected.

http://i132.photobucket.com/albums/q30/kbruington/tech/110875894.gif

Change them out, and wait a few days. Then come back and we'll talk.

Do you know the history of the vehicle? This is the common copmplaint with flood damaged vehicles, as in the thousands that are ciculating after Katrina storm damged vehicles.